Hospital fire caused by discarded cigarette | Latest news

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) is calling on the public to support them in stopping all smoking on site following a fire that was caused by a discarded cigarette.

On the evening of Friday 2 January, a fire was started from a cigarette outside the A&E department at the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), which resulted in the Trust going into critical incident.

The buildings and grounds of the QMC, Nottingham City Hospital and Ropewalk House have been smokefree since 2006.

Anyone who wishes to smoke must leave the hospital grounds completely, as smoking is not permitted anywhere on NUH sites — including entrances, walkways, car parks, or green spaces.

Tom Jenkinson, Emergency and Acute Care General Manager, said: “The incident meant a small number of patients were relocated as a precaution and we temporarily paused admissions into A&E whilst the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service assessed the situation.

“We are grateful for the support given to us by the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and thankful that no patients or staff came to harm.”

A spokesperson for NFRS said: "We were called at 8:28 pm on 2 January 2026 to reports of a fire at Queens Medical Centre, Derby Road, Lenton. Crews from Highfields, London Road, Stockhill, Arnold and Carlton attended the incident.

"A fire was located in the structural void and was extinguished using one hose reel jet.

"Once extinguished, crews revisited the site periodically throughout the night to reinspect and ensure no further heat sources were present.

“Incidents like this are a reminder of the importance of fully extinguishing cigarettes before disposing of them. Failing to do so can easily start a fire, especially if they are discarded with combustible materials.”

Dan Grundy, NUH’s fire safety manager said: “We would like to thank emergency department staff for their prompt action in raising the alarm and implementing evacuation procedures in a highly pressurised environment, and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for their determination in locating the source of ignition.

“We would like to remind all patients, visitors, staff and contractors that our hospital grounds are a strictly no-smoking environment. This incident demonstrates the unnecessary risks associated with smoking on our sites.”

Vaping is permitted on NUH grounds as it is 95% less harmful than smoking and contains only a fraction of the chemicals found in tobacco. A Public Health England evidence review showed that there is no evidence of harm to bystanders from exposure to E-Cigarette vapour.

Jack Adlam, Director of Communications and Engagement, said: “Our hospitals have been smokefree for the past two decades, but people continue to smoke on our hospital grounds, particularly around our main entrances.

“For the patients, visitors and staff who use our hospitals every day, this creates an unpleasant and unhealthy environment, and it is simply unacceptable.

“The risks of smoking to our own health, and the health of those around us, are well known. But this incident shows the potential dangers on a much wider and more serious scale. A single discarded cigarette has the ability to cause a fire that could put vulnerable patients at risk, disrupt vital services, and divert our teams from the care they are here to provide.

“Fortunately, on this occasion there was minimal impact and no one came to harm thanks to the speedy and professional response of our staff, but we cannot rely on luck.

“We need everyone’s support to respect our smokefree policy and help us stamp out smoking on our hospital grounds."

Individuals found smoking on NUH property will be asked to stop immediately and directed off‑site. Persistent or repeated breaches may result in escalation to security teams and could lead to individuals being asked to leave the grounds.

NUH is working on a range of measures to reduce smoking onsite, including the expansion of smokefree engagement officer roles to address smoking around entrances and provide advice on quitting. There is consistent signage across all sites as a reminder that NUH is a smokefree environment, along with ongoing public messaging and staff training to ensure consistent implementation of the policy.

Inpatients identified as smokers are offered support via the NUH Tobacco Dependency Service, this includes nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and referral to a community based 12‑week stop‑smoking programme. Staff can access support by contacting the NUH Smokefree Team. Visitors can access support to stop smoking through Thriving Nottingham services for City residents and YourHealthNotts for County residents.